Pens in no-lose situation

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SCOTT MORRISON

May 24, 2008

, Last Updated: 7:27 AM ET

Win or lose this Stanley Cup final -- and predicting what will happen is an imperfect, impossible game -- it can still safely be argued that Sidney Crosby and the Penguins are already big-time winners even if the worst-case scenario plays out.

Consider the Crosby chronology for starters.

He was the youngest player, at 19 years, eight months, to reach 200 career points. Wayne Gretzky, if you are wondering, was a few months past his 20th birthday when he accomplished the feat.

Crosby was also the youngest player in any pro sport to win a league scoring title, accomplishing that last season, his second, in which he also helped Pittsburgh improve by 47 points, the fourth-biggest turnaround in NHL history.

Almost a year ago, Crosby was named captain of the Penguins, making him the youngest ever in league history, roughly three months younger than Vincent Lecavalier when he was named captain in Tampa Bay several years ago.

The time lines aren't to inspire debate over greatness, because there is still much to play out before that becomes a legitimate practice. But it speaks to just how good, how quickly this kid has been. And did we mention he likely saved the franchise in Pittsburgh and is responsible for the sod being turned on a new arena?

Crosby's rapid personal success has, as mentioned, helped bring rapid success to the Penguins, who two years ago were the second-worst team in the NHL, finishing with 59 points, and 18 months ago faced an uncertain future as a franchise in Pittsburgh. But they made the playoffs a year ago and this season, incredibly, they are guaranteed to be no worse than second best.

Back in training camp, Crosby was asked the question what's next?

"We are all hungry to take the next step," he said. "And I haven't won a Stanley Cup."

Over the next fortnight we will see if winning is in the cards, but just getting there is remarkable, something not many around the Penguins thought possible until late in the season, after the trade deadline.

For perspective, it took Gretzky until his fourth season to make the final and his fifth season to win his first Stanley Cup. It took Mario Lemieux, who is Crosby's boss and landlord, of course, until his fifth year to reach the post-season and his seventh season to win.

Different times, different circumstances, but it remains that Crosby is on fast forward and if the Penguins are able to beat the Red Wings, he will have done it in just his third season.

And you could argue that Crosby, who is tied for the lead in scoring with 21 points in 16 games, would be the prime choice if the Penguins prevail to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player, which would make him the youngest to do that.

IN THE FRAY

He has obviously produced points, he has stuck his nose into the fray when necessary and he has become a fierce two-way player, his relentless back-checking having led to turnovers and a handful of key goals for the Penguins in these playoffs.

In all facets of the game, he has set the tone for the Penguins and the rest have bought in. In other words, this spring the complete package has become even more complete.

Now, of course, the challenge becomes that much greater as the two best teams in their respective conferences meet in the final.

An experienced Detroit team that is poised and patient, deep and tremendous defensively represents the toughest opposition the Penguins have faced, a dream matchup for the NHL.

And this series is very even on paper.

Both teams can score and both can play good defence, though Pittsburgh has the edge on the former, Detroit the latter.

But the Penguins have a ton of weapons to challenge that defence, while the return of Johan Franzen could bring more secondary scoring for the Wings.

Both teams have been getting goaltending and the special teams are virtually mirror images statistically, so the analytical stalemate continues.

The difference may come down to discipline, of not allowing the other team's power play to beat you, and how the Penguins deal will the pressure.

In the end, the defensive strength and the experience of the Red Wings may be the edge against a fast-tracking Crosby and the Penguins.

The prediction is Detroit in six games.

If we're wrong, which would be the sixth time this spring, that would mean, of course, Crosby would also become the youngest captain to raise the Stanley Cup over his head and if it happens, well, we should know by now not to be surprised.